Dáil Debates - By Topic

[Bills] Debate resumed on amendment No. 27:
In page 6, line 9, to delete “24 months” and substitute “18 months”.
(Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Ann Phelan)

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[Bills] Along with the Minister of State, Deputy Ann Phelan, we have been around the houses on this a few times.
These amendments seek to shorten the timeframe for the production of the first national mitigation plan from 24 months after enactment of the Bill to less than that. I know that many i...

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[Bills] Amendment No. 28 in the name of Deputies Clare Daly, Mick Wallace, Brian Stanley, Paul Murphy, Ruth Coppinger and Joe Higgins cannot be moved. It was already discussed with amendment No. 27. Amendment No. 29 in the name of Deputies Cowen and Boyd Barrett cannot be moved. It was also discu...

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 28 and 29 not moved.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 30 is in the names of Deputies Clare Daly and Mick Wallace. It arises out of Committee Stage proceedings. Amendments Nos. 30, 38, 50 to 52, inclusive, and 56 are related and will be discussed together.[An Ceann Comhairle]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 30:
In page 6, line 11, to delete “submit to the Government for approval” and substitute “submit to Dáil Éireann for approval”.
The point of the amendment is to overcome the ambiguity in the proposed Bill that seems to imply that the low carbon and mitigation plan will n...

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[Bills] Deputy Wallace should not be pessimistic.[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

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[Bills] It is plain that the final decision on the plan cannot be left in the hands of the people who actively prop up the proliferation of the filthy fossil fuel industry. I hope the Minister will be in agreement with me on the matter.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] I wish to speak on the amendment. I understand we are taking amendments Nos. 30, 38, 50 to 52, inclusive, and 56 together. Amendments Nos. 38 and 52 are in my name. Do I move the amendments now?[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] No. The Deputy should just speak to them now.[Troy, Robert]

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[Bills] Amendment No. 38 seeks to delete the word "Government" and substitute the word "Oireachtas". This is important because Governments come and go and, as we see in the economics sphere, they take their line from a very small, elusive and distant group of people such as economic management coun...

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[Bills] Was that the first time I addressed the Dáil?[Kelly, Alan]

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[Bills] The first time as the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] No.[Kelly, Alan]

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[Bills] I remember the Minister saying it during Question Time.[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] No. It is a good line but it is not true. The Deputy should ask Deputy Barry Cowen as he knows how to use the phrase much better than I.[Kelly, Alan]

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[Bills] There is nothing wrong with wanting to leave a legacy. I am asking the Minister to leave a positive legacy, which he has the opportunity to do this morning by opening up this process to the Dáil. He has nothing to fear but we all have everything to gain, the most important thing being the....

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[Bills] The question of climate change is simply too important for there not to be the fullest possible scrutiny and oversight of mitigation plans and of the actions to be taken to reduce CO2 emissions. I do not see why the Minister should resist these amendments, of which mine is amendment No. 50,...

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[Bills] It should not be allowed happen with the housing crisis, which is a disaster, but let us not compound that sort of bad politics by doing the same on an issue as important and as vital to the survival of humanity and this planet as climate change.
I do not see why the Minister would resist ...

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[Bills] I refer to my amendment No. 56. The many commitments and promises made by the Government included the putting of a question to the people regarding the abolition of the Seanad. I remind the Government that this wish was rejected by the people and that having been the case, I would have exp...

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[Bills] As I stated on Committee Stage, the amendments call for national mitigation plans and-or national adaptation frameworks to be approved by either Dáil Éireann or the Oireachtas instead of, or in addition to, approval by the Government of the day. I strongly disagree with these proposals, as ...

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[Bills] On that principle, once a government is elected and has a mandate from the people, it should be able to do what it likes until the following election and nothing should be put to the Dáil. The Parliament would be surplus to requirements if we were to follow that philosophy through. My poin...

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[Bills] That is a wider debate than climate change.[Kelly, Alan]

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[Bills] The Minister said that Governments are elected to govern, which is fair enough, but they are also accountable to this House. There will be 158 Members following the election, which will probably be sooner rather than later and the next Government will be accountable to them.
Under my amen...

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[Bills] Come on.[Kelly, Alan]

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[Bills] The Minister should come on. I thought he was more fair-minded than that. There is an opportunity for him to lay the plan before the Oireachtas in order that the Dáil can scrutinise it. That is our role. When I was elected by the people of Laois-Offaly, that is what they sent me here to ...

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[Bills] The Minister's attitude to these amendments sums up why the political system is so discredited and why people are so alienated from it. I am surprised he is shaking his head because the language the Government parties used when they were elected about democratic revolution was used precisel...

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[Bills] In this case, it is abandoning it on an issue that is of vital importance for the survival of the planet, namely, that of climate change. All that is being asked in these amendments is that the effectiveness of the national mitigation plan to do with reducing CO2 emissions, and the measures...

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[Bills] The Minister was very forthright and almost curt in his response. I acknowledge that what is contained in the Bill will receive the scrutiny it deserves in the Seanad. However, one of the main elements of it is the publication of a climate change plan. It would have targets, proposals and...

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[Bills] I thank the Deputies for their comments. I repeat that I believe the Government should be the approving body. I said that on Committee Stage and I am saying it again on Report Stage. The Government should be held accountable.
Deputy Wallace raised what is a wider debate as regards the.....

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[Bills] Does Deputy Wallace wish to come back in?[Troy, Robert]

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[Bills] No. I have said my piece.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] Debate resumed on amendment No. 152:
In page 22, between lines 30 and 31, to insert the following:
"Reports on annual targets
16. (1) The Minister shall lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas a report in respect of each year in the period 2015-2050 for which an annual target has been set (a...

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[Bills] We resume on amendment No. 152. Deputy Clare Daly is the next speaker and I note that amendments Nos. 152 to 160, inclusive, are related and are being discussed together.[O'Reilly, Joe]

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[Bills] I have had ten different hats on this morning and to get my climate change one on now is going to be pretty difficult.[Daly, Clare]

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[Bills] Ditto. It is the same all around.[O'Reilly, Joe]

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[Bills] We are all struggling today with the schedule going too far. We have discussed these issues at length over the course of the past week and there is grave concern on our side of the House that excluding targets and failing to put any meat on its bones makes the legislation probably worse tha...

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[Bills] It is important that there be chapters in the legislation to deal with public bodies' duties of climate change mitigation, adaptation programmes, land use, forestry, energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling. Scotland put the detail in its plan whereas what we have are vague aspirati...

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[Bills] We are discussing a group of amendments that would require the Minister, Deputy Kelly, to lay a range of reports in respect of domestic mitigation targets before the Houses. I have stated my position on this issue a number of times, but I will reiterate it to facilitate further progress on ...

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 31:
In page 6, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following:
“(a) this shall include agreed targets of reductions in CO2 emissions through 2050,”.
The Bill needs to set targets rather than aspirations. Otherwise there is no incentive to design a plan that will bring...

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[Bills] I thank the Minister of State but the essence of my point was that a bad Bill was worse than no Bill. No one is arguing that we do nothing. We could build on the great deal of preparatory work that has been done elsewhere. The amendments are self-explanatory, being taken from the Scottish...

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[Bills] He is only on the one planet.[McGrath, Finian]

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[Bills] Some would say he is on Mars.[Collins, Joan]

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[Bills] He will leave some legacy.[Coppinger, Ruth]

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[Bills] Deputy Boyd Barrett has the floor, please.[Troy, Robert]

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[Bills] They are very concerned in Cloughjordan about this matter. They have an eco-village and they are very concerned about it.[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] It is telling that some of the amendments tabled by the Opposition that were specific in terms of targets for CO2 emissions reductions were ruled out of order on the basis that they would be a charge on the Exchequer. I know it has nothing to do with the Minister, but I find that fact inter...

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[Bills] As it is 12 noon I ask Deputy Boyd Barrett to move the adjournment.[Troy, Robert]

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[Bills] Debate adjourned.

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[Bills] Debate adjourned.

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[Bills] Debate resumed on amendment No. 31:
In page 6, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following:
“(a) this shall include agreed targets of reductions in CO2 emissions through 2050,”.
- (Deputy Brian Stanley)

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[Bills] This amendment relates to the key question of targets so that we can chart whether we are making concrete and tangible progress towards reducing CO2 emissions or whether our mitigation plans for reducing emissions are just aspirational general policy objectives and not really measurable in t...

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[Bills] This amendment calls for the inclusion of targets up to 2050. This is a very similar amendment to those on which we spoke last night. Establishing domestic mitigation targets divorced from EU processes is not wise because Ireland is already subject to legally binding greenhouse gas mitigat...

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[Bills] The Minister of State is concerned we might cut across the EU process which is likely to set targets up to 2030. The whole point of the amendment, however, is that we set out our own targets. We have to take responsibility to put our own house in order. We have neglected this issue for th...

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[Bills] We should not be sitting back and waiting for the EU. How many times in the past 30 or 40 years has the EU had to come in?

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[Bills] Thank you, Deputy Stanley.[Kennedy, Marcella Corcoran]

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[Bills] One moment now. How many times-----[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] Deputy Stanley has had two minutes. He can come in again. Does he realise that?[Kennedy, Marcella Corcoran]

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[Bills] -----has the EU had to come in and give us a crack of the whip? The whip is to get us into line and do the things we should have done years ago. We should pre-empt the EU, do it ourselves, stand on our own two feet and be in compliance with the EU targets by all means.[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] Does the Minister of State wish to comment?[Kennedy, Marcella Corcoran]

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[Bills] No.[Phelan, Ann]

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[Bills] Debate adjourned.

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[Bills] Debate resumed on amendment No. 5:
In page 4, between lines 1 and 2, to insert the following:
“ “baseline” means the aggregate amount of—
(a) net Irish emissions of carbon dioxide for 1990, and
(b) net Irish emissions of each of the greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide for the year tha...

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[Bills] Amendment No. 32 is ruled out of order.[Kennedy, Marcella Corcoran]

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[Bills] It is a couple of months since we initiated this discussion. I will not repeat the points I made at the last session but, in essence, this amendment is about national emissions reduction targets and Ireland leading the way in tackling climate change. We are trying to make the point that on...

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[Bills] Amendment No. 32 not moved.

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 33 to 35, inclusive, are related and will be discussed together.[Kennedy, Marcella Corcoran]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 33:
In page 6, between lines 20 and 21, to insert the following:
“(c) specify the projected level of emissions once the policy measures outlined are agreed,”.
This proposal is an important change. Basically, it provides that the national mitigation plan would specify th...

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[Bills] I will speak on amendment No. 34 which states:
In page 6, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following:
“(e) specify the projected total national emissions for the period of the plan on the basis of all the policy measures specified in the plan.”.
The national mitigation plan should incl...

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[Bills] I do not know if people noticed it, although I am sure some did, but yesterday Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of the England, made an interesting statement about this very issue. He outlined in very stark terms the financial risk of global warming and he acknowledged there was a dang...

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[Bills] A large number of amendments were ruled out of order on Committee Stage because they referred to emissions target reductions. It was argued, without any supporting detailed documentation, that reduction targets cost the Exchequer money and they were ruled out of order because Opposition Dep...

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[Bills] The response to everything we have raised in terms of projections and targets is that we do not need these things in Ireland because we are already the subject of EU targets. Of course, that is to be completely blind to the reality that, while we may be subject to those targets, we are also...

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[Bills] The proposed amendment wishes to set out definitions of baseline years in respect of greenhouse gas emissions, with a view to more wide-ranging amendments to sections 3 and 4 of the Bill. I will reserve my principal observations on the more wide-ranging amendments until later in this debate...

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[Bills] I have made the historical point once before and it is always a point that strikes me very forcefully, so I will make it again as I think it very relevant to the debate about climate change and the future capacity of our society to sustain itself. The historical point is this. The reason t...

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[Bills] It is ironic the Minister of State would say that, particularly in the context of the European Commission finding that Ireland is going to fail to meet its climate targets. The EU report published in February made the point that Ireland is not on track to reach its greenhouse gas emissions....

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[Bills] They have the technological, industrial and intellectual capacity to sustain our civilisation and help it progress and develop in the interests of the whole of humanity, but they fail to do that and instead use all the wealth and resources to aggrandise themselves, spending on wasteful, dama...

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[Bills] I call Deputy Cowen as amendment No. 35 is in this group.[McCarthy, Michael]

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[Bills] I will press my amendment.[Cowen, Barry]

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[Bills] By serendipity, I am in the Chamber this afternoon, due to a change of schedule. I am glad I am here because the last few contributions have been valuable. It is a pity there are so few Members in the Chamber to reflect on them but perhaps they are doing so in their offices. However, I do...

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[Bills] It leaves maybe up to 2 million people unnecessarily hurt by the unfair divide that has taken place in the so-called recovery.
The truth is simple. It is simply explained and, as Deputy Daly said, Bills like this are fluffy palliatives, that is all. They do not specify or get concrete bu...

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 6:
In page 4, to delete line 6.[Phelan, Ann]

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[Bills] On the issue of climate change, please.[McCarthy, Michael]

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[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] This is the climate that we live in.[Mathews, Peter]

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 7 to 16, inclusive, not moved.

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[Bills] True.[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 17:
In page 6, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following:
“(b) the policy of the Government on climate change,
(c) climate justice,”.
This amendment seeks to include references to both the policy of the Government on climate change and to climate change justice in ...

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[Bills] It is the climate in which an old lady of 93 cannot get through on the telephone, a lovely Greek word from ancient civilisation; "telos" means far away and "phone" means voice - the faraway voice.
In respect of Germany, only a few weeks ago, in regard to the migration of refugees, our pape...

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[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] Deputy Stanley's amendment mentions emissions. Deputy Mathews might talk about that in his contribution. He might just mention it.[McCarthy, Michael]

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 18, 22, 39 and 47 are related and will be discussed together.[Keating, Derek]

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[Bills] This is the "concrete" weather that Irish people live in; two million people unfairly treated in the so-called outcome of the collapse. Do not talk about recovery; it is an outcome at the moment. It is recovery for those few who own the capital and the wealth - the 6% to 8% growth, steady ...

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 18:
In page 6, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following:
“(d) the principle of climate justice.”.
The principle of climate justice is based on the idea that there is an ecological debt owed by the north to the south. We in the highly industrialised north are most....

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[Bills] I thank Deputy Boyd Barrett for the history lesson.[Phelan, Ann]

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[Bills] I certainly admire the Deputy's powers to foretell the future.

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[Bills] While we in Ireland are not feeling the effects of climate change so strongly, other countries are being wiped off the map. The Irish Government, not content that it has presided over the most dramatic rise in inequality in recent history at home by failing to acknowledge climate justice, i...

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[Bills] I am listening to the scientists.[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

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[Bills] The Oireachtas committee recommended that the legislation incorporate the principle of climate justice. The Minister has accepted that in a part of the legislation, namely, in amendment No. 17. We believe it is critical that the principle be inserted so Ministers will have to have regard t...

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[Bills] While the Deputy says the pyramids are no longer of use, I recall that they were once one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They were driving a very large tourism industry on which the Egyptian economy greatly depended.[Phelan, Ann]

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[Bills] I welcome the opportunity to speak on this amendment. I regret that all my previous amendments were ruled out of order on the basis of cost.[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] Tell that to the slaves who died making them.[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

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[Bills] To say they are of absolutely no use is perhaps a little redundant.
Regarding the movement of people around the world, I remember raising in the Dáil in 2012 the issue of migrants, refugees and the Syrian crisis on a number of occasions. The Dáil record will testify to that. I do not rem...

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[Bills] Is the Minister of State kidding?[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

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[Bills] No, I am not. I do not remember Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett raising it.[Phelan, Ann]

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[Bills] The Minister of State should be allowed to continue without interruption.[McCarthy, Michael]

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[Bills] The purpose of the national mitigation plan relates to how to achieve emission reductions, not to how much of a reduction should be achieved. It would be out of place, therefore, to include quantified emission reduction figures in the national mitigation plan. Each successive national miti...

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 34:
In page 6, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following:
“(e) specify the projected total national emissions for the period of the plan on the basis of all the policy measures specified in the plan.”.[Daly, Clare]

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[Bills] Ciúnas please while we resume deliberations on the Bill. Those of you who are holding conversations should carry them on outside.
Amendment No. 35 arises out of committee proceedings and has already been discussed with amendment No. 33.[McNamara, Michael]

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[Bills] There will be a huge financial cost to the citizens of this State, including farmers, if we continue going down this road and do not address the climate change issue. In addition, there is an issue of climate justice, not just for developing Third World countries but also here due to the ef...

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 35:
In page 6, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following:
“(e) specify the projected total national emissions for the period of the plan after all the policy measures specified in the plan.”.[Cowen, Barry]

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[Bills] As there are no other speakers on the Opposition side, I call the Minister of State.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] These amendments seek to include a reference to the principle of climate justice in either section 3 or section 4 of the Bill. My own amendment No. 17 calls for the inclusion of a reference to climate justice in section 3(2) of the Bill in a slightly different and more prominent place to th...

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[Bills] Amendment No. 36 arises out of committee proceedings.[McNamara, Michael]

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[Bills] Deputy Wallace was the first proposer. Does he wish to speak?[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 36:
In page 6, lines 30 and 31, after “subsection (2)(d)” to insert “, however they may not vary or revise downwards any targets contained in the mitigation plan”.
This amendment provides that when submitting their departmental submissions to the mitigation plan, individ...

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[Bills] No.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 19:
In page 6, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following:
“(d) the risk to public health and associated costs to the Health Service Executive posed by climate change.”.
I will speak to amendments Nos. 20 and 21 as well. I find it strange that they were not groupe...

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[Bills] They are not grouped but the Deputy can speak on them individually.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] Fine. As I mentioned before, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform estimates that the cost to the Exchequer to purchase compliance will be billions of euro by 2030, in a business as usual scenario. The point of these amendments is to put into law a system of accounting that will ...

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[Bills] We cannot continue to put the economy, the interests of big business and the profit system above the environment and the planet itself.

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[Bills] Elaborating on the internationally accepted position that climate change poses a threat so serious that it could reverse the last 50 years of progress in global health and development, the Commission has said that climate action would bring benefits of €38 billion a year in 2050 through redu...

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[Bills] The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that Ministers responsible for sectoral mitigation measures cannot revise downward any mitigation targets contained in a national mitigation plan. This, unfortunately, is to misunderstand the nature of the national mitigation plan, which is designed to...

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[Bills] This proposed amendment appears out of place in section 2. I am also not sure how practical it is to expect to quantify the costs to the HSE associated with climate change. One of my amendments, amendment No. 46, includes a reference to the protection of public health in section 4(7) of th...

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[Bills] One would expect nothing less. This has been raised umpteen times before.[Coppinger, Ruth]

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[Bills] Does Deputy Wallace wish to respond?[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I thank the Minister of State for her words but we must agree to differ. I will be pressing the amendment.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 37:
In page 7, line 18, to delete "Expert Advisory Council" and substitute "Advisory Council".[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared carried.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 38:
In page 7, line 22, to delete "Government" and substitute "the Oireachtas".[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] 7 o'clock

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 39:
In page 7, between lines 33 and 34, to insert the following:
“(a) the principle of climate justice,”.[Cowen, Barry]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 20:
In page 6, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following:
“(d) a projection of the long term savings and costs to the exchequer posed by climate change.”.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] I understand the intent behind the amendment but I do not consider it to be practical to project long-term savings and costs to the Exchequer in sufficient detail to inform the Government meaningfully when approving five-yearly national mitigation plans and national adaptation frameworks. .....

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 21:
In page 6, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following:
“(d) a projection of the long term savings and costs to the exchequer as a result of climate change mitigation.”.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] At the risk of repeating myself, I appreciate the intent behind the amendment but I do not consider it practical to project long-term savings and costs to the Exchequer in sufficient detail to meaningfully inform the Government when approving national mitigation plans. Therefore, I cannot s...

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[Bills] Given that the Minister of State has accused me of being impractical, I insist that my proposal is more practical than the Government's. I have already spoken on the amendment.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 22:
In page 6, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following:
“(d) the principle of climate change justice for developing countries and countries vulnerable to climate change.”.[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 23 and 24 are out of order. Amendment No. 25 is in the names of Deputy Clare Wallace, I mean Deputy Clare Daly and Deputy Mick Wallace. Which Deputy wishes to move the amendment?[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] I would have nothing to do with her.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] I call Deputy Clare Daly.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] Let me be the first to congratulate her.[Aylward, Bobby]

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 23 and 24 not moved.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 25:
In page 6, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following:
“Setting annual targets
5. (1) The Minister shall, by order, set the annual targets for each year in the periods mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (g) of subsection (2).
(2) The Minister shall set the annual ta...

Vol-890 Book-3 Page [507]

[Bills] The proposed amendment seeks to provide for the manner in which annual targets are set for the period 2015 to 2050. I do not accept the validity of establishing domestic mitigation targets divorced from EU processes. That is because Ireland is already subject to legally binding greenhouse ...

Vol-890 Book-3 Page [509]

[Bills] The Minister of State has made our point for us because, as I said in the introduction, the reality is that we are subject to legally binding targets and the EU and the European Commission have stated very clearly that we will not be anywhere near reaching those targets and not only that but...

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[Bills] Meeting our EU targets is our main priority and the first national mitigation plan is currently being developed to address that aim.[Phelan, Ann]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 26 is out of order. Amendment No. 27 is in the name of the Minister and arises out of Committee Stage proceedings. Amendments Nos. 28 and 29 are physical alternatives to No. 27, so we will discuss amendments Nos. 27 to 29, inclusive, together.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] Amendment No. 26 not moved.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 27:
In page 6, line 9, to delete “24 months” and substitute “18 months”.
The proposed amendments seek to shorten the timeframe for the production of the first national mitigation plan from 24 months after enactment of the Bill to less than that. Many Opposition Members ...

Vol-890 Book-3 Page [509]

[Bills] I move amendment No. 40:
In page 7, line 34, to delete "have regard to" and substitute "comply with and take account of".
This amendment requires that the Minister and the Government take account of certain matters when performing functions under this section. The need to have regard to tho...

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[Bills] Nevertheless, 18 months is the bare minimum necessary to allow robust mitigation policy measures to be developed and made subject to strategic environmental assessments and appropriate assessments pursuant to EU directives, as well as to statutory public scrutiny processes.

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[Bills] This amendment calls for the phrase "have regard to" to be replaced with, inter alia, "comply" in section 4(7) of the Bill. With due respect, I do not believe this amendment makes sense as there are competing considerations when developing a national mitigation plan, all of which cannot be....

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [86]

[Bills] I will speak to amendment No. 28 in my name and that of other Deputies. It is important we do this quickly. We have reached a carbon cliff because of the lost years when we did not do what we should have been doing, when we did not take our responsibility seriously and when we kept damagin...

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[Bills] We also believe the process should be speeded up in order to provide for the adoption of the first national mitigation plan. The plan should be adopted within six months of the passing of the Act and not 24 or 18, as currently proposed. We need to do a bit more. I find it hard to credit b...

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[Bills] We do not have time - that is the reality. We need to move and move quickly on this. Deputy Stanley made the point very forcefully that a lot of the work has already been done or should be well-known on this. We have to look at where we are, against what backdrop we are operating and whet...

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[Bills] As stated earlier, if we shorten it any further we would interfere with the process. In addition, consultations must also be entered into. I am glad that Deputy Stanley has welcomed the period of 18 months.[Phelan, Ann]

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[Bills] Some things are difficult to do because of time limits and restrictions of one kind or another and other things become less challenging. This place has stayed open all night to pass legislation in emergency situations. Many people who are very concerned about climate change would say this ...

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[Bills] Debate adjourned.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 41 not moved.

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 42 and 43 are related and will be discussed together.[An Ceann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [88]

[Bills] I move amendment No. 42:
In page 8, to delete lines 10 and 11 and substitute the following:
"(f) the findings of any relevant research on the effectiveness of mitigation measures and adaptation measures, including the management of soil carbon and the protection and rewetting of wetlands,".
...

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[Bills] I would like the Minister of State to respond before I elaborate on my amendment.[Cowen, Barry]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [89]

[Bills] Amendments Nos. 42 and 43 are grouped. These proposed amendments call for the inclusion of a reference to the management of soil carbon and the protection and rewetting of wetlands when the Minister, Deputy Kelly and the Government perform their functions under section 4. In the first inst...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [89]

[Bills] Deputy Cowen.[An Ceann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [89]

[Bills] I will be pressing my amendment.[Cowen, Barry]

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[Bills] Does Deputy Boyd Barrett wish to respond?[An Ceann Comhairle]

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[Bills] I think the point has been made.[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [89]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 43:
In page 8, line 11, after "measures" to insert “including the management of soil carbon and the protection and rewetting of wetlands".[Cowen, Barry]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [89]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 44:
In page 8, line 17, to delete "and".
This is purely a technical amendment to facilitate the inclusion of amendment No. 46 and should be read in consultation with that amendment.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [89]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 45:
In page 8, line 18, to delete "Expert Advisory Council." and substitute "Advisory Council,".[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [89]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 46:
In page 8, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following:
"(j) mitigation measures, specified in a notification to the Minister or the Government under subsection (13), and
(k) the protection of public health.".
This amendment seeks to incorporate the initiatives ...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [89]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 47:
In page 8, between lines 18 and 19, to insert the following:
"(j) the principle of climate justice.".[Daly, Clare]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [90]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 48:
In page 8, line 29, to delete "Expert Advisory Council" and substitute "Advisory Council".[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 49:
In page 8, line 31, to delete "Expert Advisory Council" and substitute "Advisory Council".[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 50:
In page 8, to delete lines 33 and 34 and substitute the following:
"(10) A national mitigation plan shall be approved by a resolution in both Houses of the Oireachtas as soon may be after it is approved by the Government.".[Daly, Clare]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 51 is in the names of Deputies Paul Murphy, Ruth Coppinger and Joe Higgins.[An Ceann Comhairle]

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[Bills] None of them is present.[Carey, Joe]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [91]

[Bills] Amendment No. 51 not moved.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 52:
In page 8, line 34, after "Government" to insert "and both houses of the Oireachtas".[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 53:
In page 8, after line 38, to insert the following:
"(13) A local authority may notify the Minister or the Government in writing of-----
(a) its intention to adopt, or
(b) its having adopted,
such mitigation measures as are specified in the notification concerned in r...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [91]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 54 has been ruled out of order.[An Ceann Comhairle]

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[Bills] Amendment No. 54 not moved.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 55 is in the names of Deputy Paul Murphy, Ruth Coppinger and Joe Higgins but none of them is present.[An Ceann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [91]

[Bills] They are not here.[Carey, Joe]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [91]

[Bills] Amendment No. 55 not moved.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 56:
In page 9, line 38, to delete "Dáil Éireann" and substitute "and approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas".[Cowen, Barry]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [91]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 57:
In page 10, line 31, to delete "Expert Advisory Council" and substitute "Advisory Council".[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared carried.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 58 has been ruled out of order.[An Ceann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [92]

[Bills] Amendment No. 58 not moved.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 59:
In page 11, between lines 30 and 31, to insert the following:
"(c) the need to further develop the tillage sector and mixed farming, in particular crops that have the potential to act as significant carbon sinks;".
It is important that we consider the agriculture sec...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [92]

[Bills] Twelve months ago the European Commissioner, Phil Hogan, called for a significant increase in dairy output, that there would be no fear of it distorting the market for dairy produce. Many farmers might disagree with that now, with those markets which they are serving showing a downward pull...

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[Bills] I strongly endorse Deputy Stanley's amendment. Monoculture or overdependence on one or two agricultural sectors is a very dangerous game. We need to diversify enterprise and industry generally, as well as agriculture. The idea we would have an ever onwards and upwards beef export industry...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [93]

[Bills] There are many other such areas but a focus on the diversification of crops to develop industry, enterprise and agriculture could be beneficial in terms of meeting our targets. It would be environmentally sustainable and good economically, socially and in every other way. This must be a ke...

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[Bills] I have listened with interest for the past few minutes to my learned colleagues from Dún Laoghaire and Portlaoise speaking about the sugar industry and its benefit to the country over many years, which is true. There is one particular and important point my colleague from Portlaoise omitted...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [94]

[Bills] I agree with Deputies that the loss of the sugar industry was massive for this country, particularly for counties in the south and east, one of which is my county. I recognise the efforts of many Deputies and others, including Deputies Deering and Phelan who are in the Chamber. Another col...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [94]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 60:
In page 12, line 3, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [95]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 61:
In page 12, line 5, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [95]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 62:
In page 12, line 7, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [95]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 63:
In page 12, to delete lines 11 to 15 and substitute the following:
“(2) There shall stand established, on the establishment day, a body which shall be known, in the Irish language, as An Chomhairle Chomhairleach um Athrú Aeráide or, in the English language, as the Cl...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [95]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 64:
In page 12, line 12, to delete “Shaineolach Náisiúnta”.[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 65:
In page 12, lines 13 and 14, to delete “National Expert Advisory Council on Climate Change (in this Act referred to as the “Expert Advisory Council”)” and substitute “Climate Change Advisory Council (in this Act referred to as “Advisory Council”)”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [95]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 66 is in the name of Deputies Clare Daly, Mick Wallace and Richard Boyd Barrett. Amendments Nos. 66 to 68, inclusive, and amendment No. 124 are related and will be discussed together.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 66:
In page 12, between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following:
“(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or of any other enactment, the members of the Advisory Council shall be independent in the performance of their functions under this Act.”.[Daly, Clare]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [96]

[Bills] Whose telephone is that?[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

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[Bills] Sorry?[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [96]

[Bills] It has stopped now. Deputy Boyd Barrett was asking whose phone was ringing but it has magically stopped. I assure the House it was not mine.[Daly, Clare]

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[Bills] It is not mine either.[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] I will be brief. The purpose of these amendments is to enshrine the independence of the advisory council into law. It is very much based on the statutory framework for the Fiscal Advisory Council. The amendment is modelled on a provision in the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [96]

[Bills] The point has already been made - but it took an economic crisis for this Government and governments across Europe to recognise it - that we need independent economists to assess budgets, spending decisions and macroeconomic priorities so that there is an early warning signal, so to speak, w...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [96]

[Bills] It does not get much more important than that. To have that group independent in assessing our mitigation plans and Government policies and priorities in this area appears to be a no-brainer. As Deputy Daly said, there were positive sounds from the Government on Committee Stage on this fro...

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[Bills] The proposed amendments call from an explicit statement that the national expert advisory council on climate change shall be independent in the performance of its functions. I appreciate that there has been some concern that the presence of the ex officio members on the expert advisory coun...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] I am not sure why it is not grouped with these amendments if it is essentially the same issue.[Daly, Clare]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] It is grouped.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] Okay. Did the Minister of State move it now?[Daly, Clare]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] The Minister of State could elaborate on it a little.[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

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[Bills] The amendment states what it is.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] I cannot see it.[Daly, Clare]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] The Minister of State should introduce the amendment properly.[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] The Minister of State did not move an amendment.[Daly, Clare]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] We have not reached it yet.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] If they are grouped, the Minister of State would be dealing with it.[Daly, Clare]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] To be helpful, amendments Nos. 66 to 68, inclusive, and 124 are related and they will be discussed together.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] What number is the amendment?[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

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[Bills] It is No. 124.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] The Minister of State will have to move it now. Can he not move it now while we are discussing them together?[Daly, Clare]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] If they are grouped together, should the Minister of State not move it now to explain it to us?[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] I have already explained what I am doing.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [97]

[Bills] Does the Minister of State intend to move it?[Daly, Clare]

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[Bills] Yes, I will move it.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] We grouped amendments Nos. 66 to 68, inclusive, and 124 as the amendments are related.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] I will waive mine on the advice of the Minister of State.[Cowen, Barry]

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[Bills] Deputies Cowen, Stanley, Paul Murphy, Coppinger and Higgins are also proposers of these amendments. Are there any other speakers?[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] I have a question about amendment No. 67.[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] Before I call you, Deputy, we take the amendments in sequence as regards voting.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] It is not about voting. It is about explanation. The Minister of State's silence is stunning. We are dealing with a group of amendments and in the case of every other group of amendments we have dealt with, the Members who tabled them have all spoken, after which we received the Minister ...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] I have spoken.[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] The Minister of State responded to the points we made and then mentioned, at the end, that he has tabled amendment No. 124 to deal with this area.[Barrett, Richard Boyd]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] To address the Deputies' concerns.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] Yes. It would be very helpful if the Minister of State would elaborate a little more about what he means regarding the independence of this body, who else will be on it and how it will be selected, so we can be satisfied that it fully addresses the concerns we have raised in our amendments....

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] I will call Deputy Stanley first.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] I will speak on amendment No. 67. The membership of the advisory council is set out in the Bill. The ex officio members include the director general of the agency, the chief executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the director of Teagasc and the director of the ESRI. The...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [98]

[Bills] Regarding the amendment tabled by me and Deputy Stanley, I acknowledge what the Minister of State said. I had asked that the national expert advisory council should be independent in the performance of its functions, and I note the Minister of State's amendment No. 124 provides that the exp...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [99]

[Bills] The difference between what the Minister of State is proposing and what we are proposing, and I hope the Minister of State will speak to it and explain as he still has not done that, is that while he is making a statement that it will be independent in its functions, it still will have the e...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [99]

[Bills] The real point is that this is not full independence when that was what was being sought, although with technical support from bodies such as the agencies referred to in the Bill. Perhaps the Minister of State can persuade us otherwise, but what we are proposing is still superior to what he...

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[Bills] To clarify, the council was announced by the Minister in June. It includes four ex officio members of 11 members in total. We can supply the list to Deputies, if they want it made available. The chairperson of the council is John FitzGerald, who I believe we would all agree is a very expe...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [99]

[Bills] It would have helped matters if the Minister of State had moved the amendment. It is down for moving now.[Daly, Clare]

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[Bills] No.[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] It is. The Minister of State is supposed to move it in this batch of amendments. I accept what the Minister of State is saying, namely, it does have the same framework of wording as our amendment. If we had known that, it would have made a difference. I am glad the Minister of State seem...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [100]

[Bills] I can assure the Deputy I will be moving the amendment but the protocol of the Dáil does not allow me to move it until we get to it in the list of amendments. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle can clarify that.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [100]

[Bills] That is correct. How stands the amendment?[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [100]

[Bills] May I speak again?[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [100]

[Bills] We have dealt with the amendments.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [100]

[Bills] The Minister made an announcement since I spoke and I did not get a chance to come back in.[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [100]

[Bills] Please be brief.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

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[Bills] Amendment No. 124 from the Minister states: "The Advisory Council shall be independent in the performance of its functions.” I accept this goes some of the way in that this is being hard-wired into the legislation and it seems a genuine effort to deal with the issue. I believe it will ensu...

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[Bills] I thank the Deputy.[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 67 and 68 not moved.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 69:
In page 12, line 17, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 70:
In page 12, to delete lines 19 and 20 and substitute the following:
“(b) not more than 5 ordinary members who shall be independent of the State or stakeholder interests.”.
The make-up of the advisory council is important and I put forward the amendment in that spirit...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [100]

[Bills] The amendment calls for the complete removal of the ex officio members from the expert advisory council. I believe that such a course of action would be wholly misguided in that it would rob the council of valuable insights into the realities and practicalities of policy implementation in.....

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [101]

[Bills] I refer to my earlier statement in this regard. The section of the environment committee report from the summer of 2013 outlines the reasons for this. I agree with the Minister of State that the council should have that level of expertise available to it. However, where we are divided is ...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [101]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 71 to 74, inclusive, are out of order.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [101]

[Bills] Amendments Nos. 71 to 74, inclusive, not moved.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 75:
In page 12, lines 21 and 22, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [101]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 76:
In page 12, line 29, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [101]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 77:
In page 12, line 32, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [101]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 78:
In page 12, lines 34 and 35, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [101]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 79:
In page 12, line 37, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [102]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 80:
In page 13, line 2, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [102]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 81:
In page 13, line 3, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [102]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 82:
In page 13, line 6, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [102]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 83:
In page 13, line 9, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [102]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 84:
In page 13, line 11, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [102]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 85:
In page 13, line 13, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [102]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 86:
In page 13, line 15, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [102]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 87:
In page 13, line 17, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [103]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 88:
In page 13, line 18, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [103]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 89:
In page 13, line 22, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [103]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 90:
In page 13, line 29, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [103]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 91:
In page 13, line 33, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [103]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 92:
In page 13, line 34, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [103]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 93:
In page 14, line 1, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [103]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 94:
In page 14, line 8, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [103]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 95:
In page 14, line 9, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [104]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 96:
In page 14, to delete line 17 and substitute the following:
“(f) is, or is deemed to be, the subject of an order under section 160 of the Companies Act 1990 or a disqualification order within the meaning of Chapter 4 of Part 14 of the Companies Act 2014.”.
Amendment ...

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 97:
In page 14, line 18, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [104]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 98:
In page 14, line 20, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [104]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 99:
In page 14, lines 21 and 22, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [104]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 100:
In page 14, line 23, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [104]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 101:
In page 14, line 27, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [105]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 102:
In page 14, line 29, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [105]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 103:
In page 14, line 31, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [105]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 104:
In page 14, line 32, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [105]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 105:
In page 14, line 35, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [105]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 106:
In page 14, lines 38 and 39, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [105]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 107:
In page 15, line 2, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [105]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 108:
In page 15, lines 3 and 4, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [105]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 109:
In page 15, line 5, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [106]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 110:
In page 15, lines 6 and 7, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [106]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 111:
In page 15, line 8, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [106]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 112:
In page 15, line 10, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [106]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 113:
In page 15, line 11, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [106]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 114:
In page 15, line 14, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [106]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 115:
In page 15, line 20, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [106]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 116:
In page 15, line 25, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [106]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 117:
In page 15, line 26, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [107]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 118:
In page 15, line 32, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [107]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 119:
In page 15, line 34, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [107]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 120:
In page 15, line 37, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [107]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 121:
In page 15, lines 40 and 41, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [107]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 122:
In page 16, line 6, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [107]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 123:
In page 16, line 27, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [107]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 124:
In page 16, between lines 31 and 32, to insert the following:
“(3) The Advisory Council shall be independent in the performance of its functions.”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [107]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 125:
In page 16, line 33, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [108]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 126:
In page 17, line 11, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [108]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 127:
In page 17, line 15, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [108]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 128:
In page 17, line 19, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [108]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 129:
In page 17, line 23, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [108]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] Amendments Nos. 130 and 131 are related and will be discussed together.[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [108]

[Bills] Amendment No. 130 not moved.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 131:
In page 17, line 25, to delete “30 days” and substitute “10 days”.
Briefly, this is about shortening the timeframe for the publication of the advisory council's annual reports. We propose the amendment in the view that this is necessary in order to facilitate publi...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [108]

[Bills] I support this amendment. If the Minister has the report, it should be made available. There is no reason not to make it available. It is important it is made available to Members quickly also. The Government, in its last weeks or months in office, must try to move away from the current d...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [109]

[Bills] I am disappointed with Deputy Stanley's cynical attitude towards this. There is nothing semi-secret in this process. It is a transparent process and will stand on its merit.
The proposed amendments call for the shortening of the timeframe for publication by the expert advisory council of...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [109]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 132:
In page 17, line 26, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [109]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 133:
In page 17, line 29, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [109]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 134:
In page 17, line 29, to delete “18 months” and substitute “6 months”.
This amendment is to section 13(1), which states:
The Expert Advisory Council shall, not later than 18 months after the establishment day, conduct a review (in this Act referred to as a “periodi...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [109]

[Bills] This proposed amendment calls for the shortening in the timeframe for the expert advisory council to conduct its first periodic review from 18 months after establishment to six months. The first periodic review will, of course, be an important one, in that it is specifically charged with an...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [110]

[Bills] We understand that there will be some good people on this council. If they have a positive approach, they might be glad to review it after six months. The Minister of State is telling me they are not permanent positions. If we are going to do this right at all, and if this body is going t...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [111]

[Bills] The Minister of State said that we have to be realistic, which is true. In the real world, Ireland is not on track to reach its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. We are committed to a non-emissions trading sectors reduction of 20% between 2005 and 2020. It is widely established t...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [111]

[Bills] I thank the Deputies. I note their argument and that they have a genuine reason for proposing the amendment. On the other hand, I also believe we need to afford the council reasonable time to allow it to have a deep engagement with all of the sectors for what is a vital piece of work on be...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [111]

[Bills] We have argued at length on this. It concerns not only us but those who will be on the advisory council. They have thought about all this. If we were happy with the Bill, we would be happy with the 18 months, but we are not happy with the Bill. We would very much like to see this aspect ...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [111]

[Bills] How stands the amendment?[An Leas-Cheann Comhairle]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [112]

[Bills] I am pressing it.[Wallace, Mick]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [112]

[Bills] I move amendment No. 135:
In page 17, line 36, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [113]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 136:
In page 18, to delete lines 7 to 10 and substitute the following:
“(i) progress towards achievement of—
(I) annual targets,
(II) the interim target,
(III) the 2050 target,
(ii) whether the annual targets, the interim target or the 2050 target are likely to be...[Dal...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [114]

[Bills] The proposed amendment relates to reviewing progress on annual domestic mitigation targets, an interim target for 2020 and a final target for 2050. As I do not accept the validity of establishing domestic mitigation targets divorced from EU processes, I cannot support this amendment.[Coffey...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [114]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 137:
In page 18, line 11, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [114]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 138:
In page 18, line 15, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [114]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 139:
In page 18, line 21, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [115]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] Amendment No. 140 not moved.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 141:
In page 18, line 31, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [115]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 142:
In page 18, line 35, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [115]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 143:
In page 18, lines 36 and 37, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [115]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 144:
In page 18, line 38, to delete "Expert Advisory Council" and substitute "Advisory Council".[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [115]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 145:
In page 19, line 4, to delete "Expert Advisory Council" and substitute "Advisory Council".[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [115]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] I move amendment No. 146:
In page 19, between lines 9 and 10, to insert the following:
"(f) when providing advice under subsection (1)(a), the Advisory Council shall
express a view as to—
(i) the respective contributions towards meeting the annual targets and the
domestic effort target that ...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [115]

[Bills] This is a very important amendment because when we are talking about where we are going and where we want to go, we must take account of where we have come from. The amendment seeks to insert specific reference to possible contributions from different sectors of the economy and different so...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [117]

[Bills] This proposed amendment calls for the expert advisory council to report and provide advice in respect of proposed annual targets - an interim target for 2050 and a final target for 2050. As I have already explained, I do not accept the validity of the inclusion of such domestic targets in t...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [117]

[Bills] Amendment No. 1, in the name of Deputy Stanley, is out of order. Amendment No. 2, in the names of the Minister and Deputy Cowen, arises from Committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, 6, 37, 45, 48, 49, 57, 60 to 65, inclusive, 69, 75 to 95, inclusive, 97 to 123, inclusive, ...

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [665]

[Bills] Amendment No. 1 not moved.

Vol-887 Book-2

[Bills] The refusal to incorporate this amendment into the Bill is not a positive sign and it makes me more worried. On that basis, we will be pressing the amendment. Given that the Scots introduced this six years ago, it is disappointing that Ireland cannot do it in 2015.[Wallace, Mick]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [117]

[Bills] I move amendment No. 2:
In page 3, line 9, to delete “An Chomhairle Chomhairleach Shaineolach Náisiúnta um Athrú Aeráide” and substitute “An Chomhairle Chomhairleach um Athrú Aeráide”.
All these amendments have one aim, that is, to change the name of the National Expert Advisory Council on C...

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [665]

[Bills] We have tabled one of the amendments but the reality is that it is just a bit of a sop. The change was obviously at the request of Friends of the Earth in order to change the name of the group. However, it really only makes sense if the ex officio members are to be taken off the panel. To...

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [665]

[Bills] I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important Bill. The future of the planet is probably the most important matter we can discuss. Many amendments have been tabled and many have been ruled out of order. Members in these benches have put a lot of work into the legislation in recent ...

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [665]

[Bills] The Deputy may speak only to the grouped amendments. The Minister of State has no role in the ruling in or out of order of amendments. This is decided upon independently.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] I am just disappointed that they have been ruled out of order. I am not blaming the Minister of State. Are we taking all the grouped amendments together?[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] The amendments I read out are grouped and are to be discussed together. It was not my decision to group them; it was an independent decision.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] I accept that. The amendment on which I wish to focus-----[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] The grouping list has been circulated to Members.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] I have it here.
I want to focus in particular on greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector. While emissions must be reduced in other areas, we want to keep production at its current level in agriculture. That obviously presents a significant challenge. I have submitted amendmen...

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] It is about a change of name. I hate to be technical but we are dealing with Report and Final Stages.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] While the beef and dairy sectors are important, we should not put all our eggs into one basket. In tandem with that, we should try to develop a strong tillage sector. In particular, we must give the beet industry the attention it needs and restart it.
In respect of other points relating ...

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] I hate to be technical but we are dealing with Report and Final Stages. It is about a name change rather than what is being articulated by the Deputy. I want to be fair to all Members of the House.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [666]

[Bills] I submitted 17 amendments. The question that arises concerns the advisory panel. I note that the Government is changing the name from the National Expert Advisory Council on Climate Change to the Climate Change Advisory Council. I am curious about the rationale for that. The Minister of ...

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] That is not part of this. We are dealing with Report and Final Stages.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] I know that. Are we dealing strictly with amendment No. 2?[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] They are all grouped together.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] What are they being grouped with? Is it amendments Nos. 2 to 4?[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] Does the Deputy want me to read them out?[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] Amendments Nos. 2 to 4 are what I have here.[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] They are amendments Nos. 2 to 4, inclusive, 6, 37, 45, 48, 49, 57, 60 to 65, inclusive-----[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] Up to amendment No. 123.[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] If the Deputy wants me to read them out, I will.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] No, I have them here. They go up to amendment No. 123. I have the same sheet as the Acting Chairman.[Stanley, Brian]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] All the amendments that have been grouped concern one issue, which is the name change.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] We can change the name but the real deal is what is in the Bill. I suggest that this Bill does not do what it should do and I will leave it at that.[Stanley, Brian]

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[Bills] I call Deputy Cowen.[Buttimer, Jerry]

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[Bills] I will acquiesce in the Minister of State's agreement in respect of amendment No. 2 and others relating to the name change and I propose we move on.[Cowen, Barry]

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[Bills] Does the Minister of State wish to reply?[Buttimer, Jerry]

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[Bills] This was raised on Committee Stage. People wanted the name change and this is the response.[Phelan, Ann]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 3:
In page 3, lines 10 and 11, to delete "National Expert Advisory Council on Climate Change" and substitute "Climate Change Advisory Council".[Phelan, Ann]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [667]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-887 Book-2

[Bills] I move amendment No. 4:
In page 3, between lines 23 and 24, to insert the following:
" "Advisory Council” has the meaning assigned to it by section 8(2);".[Phelan, Ann]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [668]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

Vol-887 Book-2

[Bills] I move amendment No. 5:
In page 4, between lines 1 and 2, to insert the following:
" "baseline” means the aggregate amount of—
(a) net Irish emissions of carbon dioxide for 1990, and
(b) net Irish emissions of each of the greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide for the year that is the ba...

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [668]

[Bills] Amendment No. 147 is in the names of Deputies Clare Daly, Mick Wallace and Richard Boyd Barrett. It arises out of Committee Stage. Amendments Nos. 148 and 149 are physical alternatives to amendment No. 147 and they will be discussed together. If amendment No. 147 is agreed then amendments...

Vol-891 Book-1

[Bills] The purpose of the amendment is to give some meat to the Bill. As it stands there is no reference to a baseline or an end goal, making the Bill effectively not fit for purpose. The amendment is based upon the text of the Scottish Parliament's Climate Change Act 2009. That Act, in stark co...

Vol-887 Book-2

[Bills] I move amendment No. 147:
In page 19, to delete lines 10 to 12 and substitute the following:
“(8) Not more than 10 days after submitting a periodic review report to the Minister in accordance with this section, the Advisory Council shall publish the report by such means as the Agency may...[...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [119]

[Bills] The Deputy is straying from the Bill.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [670]

[Bills] By way of background, the periodic review reports, as the name suggests, are expected to be few and far between and to involve major, substantive issues relating to either or both mitigation and adaptation. In other words, it is anticipated that the expert advisory council will only embark ...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [120]

[Bills] This is intrinsically linked to it.[Daly, Clare]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [670]

[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I thank the Acting Chairman for his guidance.[Wallace, Mick]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 148:
In page 19, line 10, to delete “Not less than 60 and not more than 90 days” and substitute “Not more than 30 days”.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [120]

[Bills] I am trying to be fair to everyone.[Buttimer, Jerry]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [670]

[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I appreciate that. The Deputy is a very fair Cathaoirleach.[Wallace, Mick]

Vol-887 Book-2 Page [670]

[Bills] I move amendment No. 149:
In page 19, line 10, to delete “Not less than 60 and not more than 90 days” and substitute “Not more than 10 days”.
The amendment is similar to previous amendments that we have put forward. The timeframe of not less than 60 days and not more than 90 days is too lon...

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [120]

[Bills] Thank you, Deputy.[Buttimer, Jerry]

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[Bills] I do not have anything further to add.[Coffey, Paudie]

Vol-891 Book-1 Page [120]

[Bills] In view of this it does not come as much of a surprise that this Bill is toothless.
A national commitment to a reduction of 80% by 2050 is essential if this Bill is to carry any clout. Anything short of this will be leaving things in the hands of Europe and international agreements which ...

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] I refer to some of the points made by Deputy Stanley. It is a disgrace that the discussion of this Bill is rammed into a half an hour the day before the summer recess. I mean no disrespect to the Minister of State but the fact that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Gove...

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 150:
In page 19, line 11, to delete “Expert Advisory Council” and substitute “Advisory Council”.[Coffey, Paudie]

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[Bills] Debate adjourned.

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[Bills] Amendment agreed to.

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 151:
In page 21, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following:
“Guidance to Advisory Council
15. (1) The Advisory Council shall have regard to any guidance given by the Minister to it in relation to the exercise of its functions under this Act.
(2) The Minister may not...

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[Bills] This proposed amendment provides for the Minister to give guidance to the expert advisory council relating to the exercise of its functions, excluding guidance as to the content of any advice or report.
I am somewhat surprised by the amendment, as it appears genuinely to weaken the indepen...

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[Bills] Amendment put and declared lost.

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[Bills] Amendment No. 152, in the name of Deputy Wallace, arises out of committee proceedings. Amendments Nos. 152 to 160, inclusive, are related and will be discussed together.[Durkan, Bernard J.]

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[Bills] I move amendment No. 152:
In page 22, between lines 30 and 31, to insert the following:
"Reports on annual targets
16. (1) The Minister shall lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas a report in respect of each year in the period 2015-2050 for which an annual target has been set (a "target......

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[Bills] This is the last batch of amendments on what should have been an historic item of legislation for Irish society but which is, unfortunately, a bitter disappointment. We are launching a last-ditch effort to make it a bit better than it is and all of these amendments are designed to work with...

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[Bills] We need nationally binding targets but we also need to look beyond that to what we do next. This Government, like its predecessor, has been incredibly subservient to the unelected powers in Brussels and Frankfurt, enthusiastically embracing neoliberalism, privatisation, undermining public.....

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[Bills] I have no doubt that Ireland will very much play its part in tackling climate change. It must be acknowledged that this is historic legislation, as this is the first ever Bill to deal with climate change. I am glad I am part of a Government that has delivered on its commitment to introduce...

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[Bills] I just want to add a few thoughts that come to mind, having listened to the contributions. It is just not good enough for a Government as strong as this to introduce legislation as weak as this. It is only creating an appearance; it is an illusion; a mirage. The legislation needs teeth an...

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[Bills] I am not sure this has anything to do with the Bill.[Durkan, Bernard J.]

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[Bills] They should put into practice what they do in their own self-interest.[Mathews, Peter]

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[Bills] The Deputy should stick to the amendments and the Bill.[Durkan, Bernard]

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[Bills] He is.[Daly, Clare]

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[Bills] That is related to the amendment.[Mathews, Peter]

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[Bills] Posters have nothing to do with the Bill.[Durkan, Bernard]

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[Bills] This is like the Ceann Comhairle earlier, who could not see that my contribution and the questions I asked were connected with the legislation and programme for Government. It is not the case that a steel trap door comes down and Members cannot talk about anything else. Of course, we can. ...

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[Bills] That has nothing to do with the amendment at all.[Durkan, Bernard]

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[Bills] It is very relevant.[Daly, Clare]

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[Bills] This is bewildering.[Mathews, Peter]

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[Bills] Deputy Mathews has emphasised the lack of joined-up thinking and he has made a good point.
In February this year, the European Commission launched its draft country report, Ireland 2015, which said:
Ireland is not on track to reach its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. No progre...

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[Bills] It is glaringly obvious that we especially need targets. It is criminal that they are not included in this Bill.

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[Bills] There are a number of amendments remaining and they will have to dealt with on the next occasion.[Durkan, Bernard J.]

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